Cornell University’s Department of Communication is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Associate – Political Economy and Technology position in Ithaca, New York, United States. The opportunity is designed for newly minted PhDs and early-career researchers interested in exploring the intersection of technology and political economy through rigorous empirical research. The successful candidate will develop and independently conduct an original research project while contributing to the research activities of Dr. danah boyd’s research team. The position also involves mentoring graduate students, collaborating with Dr. boyd and participating in the wider intellectual life of the department. The appointment is for one year, with the possibility of a one-year renewal. The start date is flexible, with candidates expected to begin between January and August 2027, and no later than August 30, 2027. Cornell University’s Department of Communication in the USA 2027 Postdoctoral Associate 2027: Opportunity Details University: Cornell University Department: Department of Communication Position: Postdoctoral Associate Research Focus: Political Economy and Technology Location: Ithaca, New York, USA Appointment: 1 year, with possible 1-year renewal Expected Start: January–August 2027 Latest Start Date: August 30, 2027 Salary Range: US$64,000–US$70,000 PhD Requirement: PhD must be completed before the position starts Experience Requirement: Applicants must be no more than two years post-PhD Application Review Begins: October 16, 2026 Application Platform: Academic Jobs Online About the Postdoctoral Position The Postdoctoral Associate will be expected to propose, develop and execute an independent empirical research study examining a novel question related to the political economy of technology. Rather than serving primarily as an opportunity to turn a doctoral dissertation into a book, the position is intentionally structured around developing a new research agenda. The successful candidate will be expected to put their dissertation project temporarily on the backburner and engage with new data collection and a new empirical research question. The position is affiliated with the research team of Dr. danah boyd, where the postdoctoral researcher will contribute to ongoing research, collaborate with the team and mentor graduate students. This structure provides an opportunity for an early-career scholar to broaden their research portfolio while developing an original project with strong theoretical and methodological foundations. Cornell University’s Department of Communication in the USA 2027 as a Postdoctoral Associate 2027 :How Will the Postdoc Spend Their Time? The position has three major components. 50% – Independent Research Project Approximately half of the postdoctoral associate’s time will be dedicated to their proposed research project. This may include: Conducting fieldwork Carrying out interviews Collecting original data Coding qualitative data Writing research outputs Presenting findings and giving talks The candidate will have considerable responsibility for shaping and executing their own research project. 25% – Support for Dr. boyd’s Research Around one-quarter of the position will involve supporting research activities undertaken by Dr. boyd. Tasks may include conducting interviews, coding data, editing academic papers, contributing to grant writing and supporting ongoing research projects. Depending on the level and nature of involvement, opportunities for co-authorship may arise. 25% – Intellectual Community The remaining time will focus on contributing to the intellectual life of the research team and department. This includes attending academic talks, helping organise events, mentoring junior scholars and supporting field-building activities undertaken by the research team. Cornell University’s Department of Communication in the USA 2027 as a Postdoctoral Associate 2027: Who Is Eligible? Applicants must have a PhD in the social sciences, Science and Technology Studies (STS), history or a relevant field. The doctorate must be completed and formally in hand by the time the position begins. Candidates must also have conducted significant empirical research as part of their doctoral work. The opportunity is specifically intended for scholars who are no more than two years post-completion of their PhD. Applicants should also be willing and able to relocate to Ithaca, New York and be based there. Living in Ithaca during the academic year is a requirement, and candidates should not apply if relocation is not viable. Depending on the research project, significant travel may also be required. However, proposed projects should be designed so that at least 50% of the candidate’s time is spent in Ithaca. Cornell University’s Department of Communication in the USA 2027 as a Postdoctoral Associate 2027: What Kind of Research Project Is Cornell Looking For? The strongest proposals will address a novel and important question concerning the political economy of technology. Cornell is particularly interested in projects that move beyond familiar questions and offer a creative perspective on how technology interacts with markets, institutions, governance, labour, industries and society. The research should primarily be a qualitative empirical study involving original data collection. Ethnographic research is particularly encouraged, although interview-based studies will also be considered. Computational methods, content analysis, surveys and other approaches can complement the research but should not constitute the primary methodology. Cornell University’s Department of Communication in the USA 2027 as a Postdoctoral Associate 2027: Research Access Is Important Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed research is realistically achievable. Because ethnographic and interview-based research often depends on access to particular communities, organisations or institutions, applicants should clearly explain how they will obtain access to the people, organisations or settings required for the project. Proposals that identify a strong research question but lack a credible access strategy may be less competitive. Projects involving research sites within driving distance of Ithaca are particularly encouraged because they would allow the postdoctoral associate to remain actively engaged with the Cornell research community. Strong Theoretical Foundations The position also places significant emphasis on theoretical depth. Applicants should demonstrate strong theoretical grounding in areas such as: Science and Technology Studies Political economy Social theory Technology and society Communication and technology Related interdisciplinary fields Candidates should be able to connect their empirical research to broader theoretical debates and demonstrate methodological rigor in their previous work. Examples of Potential Research Areas The vacancy provides several examples to illustrate the kinds of questions that could be explored. Potential topics include examining how prediction markets such as Polymarket and Kalshi are changing ideas around risk, assetisation and the governance of gambling. Another example looks at how AI-powered agricultural technologies, such as automated milking systems, may reshape the political economy of the dairy industry. A third example considers how technology vendors may influence local government agencies through contractual relationships and technological infrastructures. However, these examples are illustrative rather than prescribed. The most important consideration is whether the proposed project asks a novel, tractable and meaningful question that can expand understanding of the relationship between technology and political economy. Funding and Professional Development The CALS hiring range for the position is US$64,000 to US$70,000. The Postdoctoral Associate will receive some support for research projects and travel. The successful candidate will also be encouraged to pursue external funding opportunities and contribute to Dr. boyd’s grant proposals. Although the postdoctoral researcher will not be eligible to serve as a Principal Investigator, involvement in grant development can provide valuable experience for building an independent academic profile. Application Requirements Applicants must submit their materials online through Academic Jobs Online. The application should include: Curriculum Vitae (CV) Cover letter of 1–2 pages Two-page research project proposal Dissertation chapter One-page dissertation cover letter Example article-length academic paper Names and contact information for three references The cover letter should describe the candidate’s broader research and intellectual interests, theoretical and methodological background, approach to collaboration and preferred start date. The two-page project proposal should clearly explain the research question, research approach, strategy for gaining access and theoretical framework. Applicants must also submit a substantial dissertation chapter accompanied by a one-page cover letter explaining the overall dissertation project, the reasoning behind the research approach and how challenges encountered during the dissertation were addressed. The article-length writing sample should ideally demonstrate the candidate’s ability to produce research suitable for academic publication. If the paper is co-authored, applicants should include a note explaining their contribution. Application Deadline Applications will begin to be reviewed on October 16, 2026. The university states that applications will be reviewed as they are received and that the search will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Early submission is therefore advisable. Why This Postdoc Is Worth Considering This opportunity is particularly attractive for early-career scholars seeking to establish a research identity at the intersection of technology, political economy and society. Rather than simply extending an existing dissertation, the postdoc challenges researchers to develop an entirely new empirical project, collect original data and engage with emerging questions that could shape future academic debates. The opportunity also combines independent research with collaboration, mentoring and participation in a vibrant academic community. For newly minted PhDs who have strong empirical research experience, methodological expertise and a compelling idea about how technology is reshaping political-economic systems, this Cornell position offers a potentially significant platform for developing the next stage of an academic career. Eligible PhD researchers are encouraged to begin preparing their research proposal, writing samples, CV and references well ahead of the October 16, 2026 review date. LEARN MORE & APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. 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